THE PACE OF SPACES
AURÉLIEN LONGO

Aurélien Longo originally hails from southwestern France but now resides in Nuremberg. He is a dedicated photographer and Creative Director for Y-3, Adidas. Due to his work, he travels extensively around the world, which he views as a significant source of inspiration for his artistic endeavors. He reminisces with us about a very special trip to Japan and the profound impact it had on him. What makes this excursion particularly unique is that the young photographer had the opportunity to travel when the whole world came to a standstill.

Aurélien Longo shows us a Japan that tourists do not usually get to see. He was one of the few people worldwide who were allowed to travel during the global pandemic. Thanks to his work visa, he could experience Japan in a way that very few people ever will—completely devoid of people. This allowed him to focus on his photographic and artistic skills.

Primarily drawn to various environments, colors, textures, and traditions, Aurélien always discovers something exciting and beautiful, no matter where he is. The photographer is renowned for his harmonious color studies in his narrative images. When viewing his photographs, the viewer is transported to the moment when the picture was taken. Gentle, luminous light, creative compositions, and captivating emotions are what Aurélien Longo beautifully conveys through his photography.

Throughout his journey through the cities of Japan, the French photographer captured images exclusively on analog film. With the usual hustle and bustle of the metropolis quieted down, he could observe more and take his time for his photographs without standing out as a Western tourist.

"The pace of spaces" offers a documentary journey through a unique moment in history. Although captured solely using analog 35mm color negative film, this journey feels refreshing and presents itself with an artistic touch that couldn't be more vivid and mystical at the same time, captured authentically in contemporary photography.